Fourth quarter revenue more than doubled to $90.2bn, reflecting an increase across all segments except Corporate. Rising oil prices offset a 7% decrease in production, which fed through to underlying net profit of $6.4bn, up from $393m a year ago.
The group declared a quarterly dividend worth $0.24 per share and expects to offer an additional dividend worth $0.25 per share in the coming quarter. Shell also announced a share buyback scheme worth $8.5bn for the first half.
The shares rose 1.5% following the announcement.
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Our view
The yoyoing of the oil price over the last 18 months has made Shell's results difficult to keep track of. However, we think the underlying trend is positive thanks to the fundamental strengths of the group's assets.
With oil trading at $88.24 a barrel, close to 5-year highs, these were always going to be good times for oil majors. The cash windfall couldn't come at a better time for the group. Not only has it allowed it to slice tens of billions off net debt, but it's funding an increase in capital expenditure as Shell invests in new gas fields as well as low carbon alternative fuels like hydrogen. Disposals have lent a hand too, with the sale of the group's Permian shale fields adding to the financial firepower supporting a new buyback programme in 2022.
Operating expenditure is creeping up again, and given the group's increased environmental commitments, this trend may continue. Shell's committed to halving emissions from operations by 2030, and that either requires significant investment in new technologies, or a further restructuring of the current business - neither of which will come cheap.
Whatever happens, Shell will remain an oil and gas giant for decades. Our greatest concern is that oil & gas groups in general risk the fate suffered by tobacco companies. With investors turning their nose up at tobacco stocks at any price, valuations in the cigarette industry have sunk to what would ordinarily be considered unsustainable lows - with little to no prospect of recovery in our view. If big oil can't convince investors it's making the right moves it risks the same fate.
We're not immediately concerned Shell will end up in the ethical waste bin. But projects to keep the group moving in the right direction risk eating into cash flows - especially as many of the newer technologies the industry is exploring are untested at a global scale.
Fortunately, Shell can afford to dabble - always assuming, of course, that the oil price doesn't catch a cold. Market conditions across all the divisions are improving, there should be scope for more cost savings and production increases. That should drive profits and free cash higher.
We should flag that geopolitical concerns have the potential to upset this outlook. While the threat of sanctions on Russian oil exports is supporting higher prices at the moment, this could shift considerably if the situation changes. There's a lot of uncertainty clouding the outlook.
The prospective yield has come a long way, a reflection of the improved cash position. With plenty of other demands on cash though, growth might be thin on the ground and dividends are variable and not guaranteed. The price/earnings ratio is well below the long-term average, which could appeal but Shell's fortunes ultimately depend heavily on an element outside its control, oil prices, and that's a significant risk given the uncertainty.
Shell key facts
All ratios are sourced from Refinitiv. Please remember yields are variable and not a reliable indicator of future income. Keep in mind key figures shouldn't be looked at on their own - it's important to understand the big picture.
Fourth Quarter Results
Profits at Integrated Gas more than tripled to $4.1bn, excluding $2.6bn relating to commodity derivative contracts. That was more than double third quarter profits, reflecting higher contributions from Liquid Natural Gas (LNG), efficiency improvements and price increases. Production volumes fell 1.6%. and operating cash flow fell 46% to $1.2bn due to unfavourable working capital movements.
Upstream reported underlying profits of $2.8bn, up from a loss of 748m last year owing mainly to price increases. The profit increase helped operating cashflow more than triple to $7.1bn. Production rose 4% from the third quarter following disruption from Hurricane Ida and favourable seasonal effects, but full year production was down 8% reflecting the impact of asset sales and maintenance.
Excluding the impact of taxes and derivative movements, Oil Products reported a $555m profit, a slight uptick from last year. That was down 54% from the third quarter, reflecting an increase in operating expenses and lower Retail margins. The group had a $721m operating cash outflow, owing to negative working capital movements and the timing of emissions certificate payments.
Free cash flow increased from $882m to $10.7bn, helped by the increase in profits and proceeds from the sale of the US Permian business. Net debt improved from $75.4bn last year, to $52.6bn.
Capital expenditure for the full year is expected to be at the lower end of guidance for $23-27bn.
Shell will change the way it reports results 2022. The new reporting segments will be Marketing, Renewables & Energy Solutions, Chemicals & Products, Integrated Gas, Upstream and Corporate.
This article is original Hargreaves Lansdown content, published by Hargreaves Lansdown. It was correct as at the date of publication, and our views may have changed since then. Unless otherwise stated estimates, including prospective yields, are a consensus of analyst forecasts provided by Refinitiv. These estimates are not a reliable indicator of future performance. Yields are variable and not guaranteed. Investments rise and fall in value so investors could make a loss.
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